Trauma Recovery (What Worked for You?) / How Do You Cope with PTSD

I had PTSD after an armed robbery/home invasion. I went to eye movement desensitivity therapy. In it your move your eyes in a specific pattern for the particular trauma or phobia. Then you do a specific tapping on different parts of the body and end by humming your favorite song.
I was amazed that I could actually feel the rage and anxiety leaving my body within 15 minutes. I also told the therapist what my phobias were and they are much less intense.
This therapy is great for people who have been raped or molested because they don't have to talk about it.

I have PTSD and what I've found that has helped me cope is maintaining good relationships with my mom, husband and children. I've found that if I throw myself into helping others find happiness in their own lives(ie: my children)that I'm less likely to fall into a slump. Meditation is helpful, as is writing and cooking. I'm not over what happened and I haven't been able to completely move past but I've learned that you cannot let the past, no matter how traumatic control or take over your life. Make life what you want it to be and don't wait for it to happen.

Ah, My good Friend PTSD.

The part of my Trauma that will never ever be quiet again.

I think I hit a point where I could allow everything to consume me, which would have signed my death slip. Or I could pick myself up. Realize I was given this for a reason. I just needed to find out what that reason was.

I think it all has to do with the mind frame you keep your self in.

A victim can never see the power they have to control their situation. If you are a victim of your emotions. Find in you where those emotions come from.

For example. What scares you about the Trauma?? Mine was the fact that people misunderstood who I was. I thought everyone viewed me as a monster. I was reflected my own feelings as those of other's feelings towards me. so I had to get myself to understand...People can not judge you on what they do not know, about you. I assumed the shame I felt was evident on my sleeve.

Then once you know what scares you, work through Why it scares you. Being misunderstood scares me...Because I am not a bad person. I am bad with words, yes. but not a bad person.

Once you can own the feelings, you can start to get a handle on the PTSD. Because once the attack starts you can very definitively work through the all the emotions.

I give my self the break down at the end of the day. It sucks. but at the same time...I know in the morning I will have a NEW prospective.

you have to be willing to learn from your Trauma.

If it is a Major Life changing trauma...understanding an excepting you will no longer be the person you were before is also key. There is no way to come out of a tragedy the same as you went in.

I had to make the choice to pick myself up and move on. I still question myself. I still wonder if maybe I have not really just gone off the crazy end...But this is the most clear I have ever thought. The most organized and able I have felt to push through the hard stuff.

so I would like to think I have found a very Productive way to start over my life. Found a purpose out of Pain. and now feel like I have figured ''It'' out. the meaning to why I , We are here.

So Maybe PTSD and trauma was the directive my life needed??

I can now say a BIG THANK YOU to Cameron, for freeing me. Giving me a reason to be here for myself. Not just my kids and husband.

Own who you are. Own the PTSD and why you have it. Life will be so much better setting it free.

The best book for PTSD is called "I Can't Get Over It" by Aprodite Matsakis.

To be honest, I went to the free church counselor who didn't understand trauma and screwed me up so much. I also tried college counselors who had no real experience. I have done talk therapy at various points in life. I don't have flashbacks or panic attacks anymore, I can function totally, etc... I also found an online support group for victims, but you CAN NOT get involved personally with the people on there. STick to message boards and public chats. There are some real predators and damaged people out there so this boundary helps protect you. Never use your real name and location, but know you IP address is visible to webhosts and anyone can look up your location from it. Hang in there.

I was diagnosed with PTSD. Journaling and meditating helped. Exercise, too -- getting out of the house to walk in the park, etc.

Learning to love yourself. It isn't easy sometimes.

Great question. Finding a good therapist has been key for me because not very many are fully practiced on dealing with PTSD. I had a wonderful CD by Ruth Naperstack (spelling?) which has some lovely guided meditations specifically for trauma that I found helpful. One thing we don't all have is time-- but that is a big part of it. Another thing that I have found helpful is a support group. I have not been able to attend one in a couple of years due to schedule, money, etc.-- but the group dynamic coupled with good therapy, meditation, taking care of yourself is really helpful. Knowing you are not the only one with group counseling is very healing. My best to you.

My husband never got over all the brutality in his home. The endless beatings, the drunkeness, being neglected and under fed or the drunken days by the river as the family camped out.
He and his brother died of cancer before their time. I won't say much more since my husband cleaned up his act and spend 20 years in and out of therapy including trancework.
So for those who read this I am going to tell you up front. Quit beating your kids and criticizing them and verbally abusing them. OR: you will get to spend your old age alone! You are killing them now. They already have PTSD but if you stop, really stop they will recover. Our entire personality is set by the age of 10.
Don't call what you do discipline. Call it what is really is TERRORISM.